I agree and disagree with this sentiment.

The products are not made in the USA, not made by hand, and not technically innovative. There are no bells and whistles, and no crazy gimmicks.

The prices are insanely high, especially considering that the quality may not be that much greater than it’s mass-produced counterparts.

However, the style is unquestionable. The clean, Scandinavian/European look and feel of the brand, the products they offer, the absolute functionality of every piece they make is undeniable. And the sense of elitism that comes from eschewing all popular and modern trends in cycling culture and sticking to the time-tested and proven basics is even somewhat justified.

I think the prices are ridiculous. But I’d pay them, if I could. After years of scouring the interwebs and cycling shops for cycling clothing that performs as good as it looks, looks as good as it performs, and still delivers the confidence to walk into any establishment feeling like hot unicorn shit on an organic cedar shingle, Rapha is one of very few brands that seems to deliver. Maybe even the only brand that delivers a whole line of products for the cycling lifestyle. And it is a brand run by people who live and breathe what they sell.

If that’s not worth spending some extra money to support, I don’t know what is.

Now if they would just make some tops with no wool so we vegan cyclists could enjoy them, too, I’d be converted.

(via hm7)

openquotes:

Le sigh. Just perfect.

flapvelo:

“With a steady drizzle coating the course for the majority of the night Day Two of Jingle Cross would be the muddiest of the weekend. Julie’s start was better than the first day as she slotted herself into the top ten and started her slog through the mud. The changes to the course also…

hm7:

IMG_7288 by J. Suzuki on Flickr.

cyclocrosshotties:

I like the idea of these glasses, but they just look weird. (If by weird, you mean awesome, I agree!)

Julie Krasniak at USGP Dirby City Cup Day 2

Photo credit: Lyne Lamoureux

(via Photos – Women USGP Derby City Cup Day Two | podiuminsight.com)

thismachinekillscobbles:

Completely Spent

Slate Olson

(via Rapha)